A Degree in Murder

Chapter Three: Thick and Fast

"That's great news," said Eleanor, happy that the boy made a full recovery.

"And it would not have been possible without you, Dr Priest," replied Ogun Adebayo, "Sorry for not getting back to you sooner."

"It's alright. Better late than never, I suppose. Have a nice day."

"Thanks. You too," said Ogun, cutting the line.

Eleanor rose from her desk, straightened out her skirt and checked her reflection in her office window. She was feeling pretty in her bone white sleeveless blouse, knee high turquoise skirt and moth gray kitten heels. Her blonde choppy pixie hairstyle complemented her face, providing angles and softening its roundness. Piercing blue eyes sat behind a pair of cat-eye glass frames. The door suddenly flew open and in the doorway stood the hospital administrator, Laura Bailey.

"Am I interrupting something?" said Laura, a quizzical look on her face.

"Dr Bailey, what a pleasant surprise," said Eleanor, slightly embarrassed.

"I was in the neighbourhood so I thought I'd drop by. You don't mind if I take a seat, do you?" said Laura, closing the door behind her.

"By all means," said Eleanor, gesturing towards the chair across her.

You don't just drop by when your office is on the other side of the hospital.

"Thank you," replied Laura, taking her seat and crossing her legs. She wore a lava gray pantsuit, a milk white blouse and black pumps. Her long, wavy brunette hair was tied back in a ponytail. An endocrinologist with a masters degree in business administration, she had been at the helm of the institution for five years and counting. Laura's ability to handle the board, investors and other employees made her a popular figure. Her touch was a firm but gentle one.

"Let me cut to the chase," said Laura, leaning forward. "A position just opened up on the Organ Procurement and Transplant Committee (OPTC). After several meetings and considerable deliberation, we have decided to award that position to you. I know it's a lot to take on but I honestly believe you'll be up to the task. It's a big decision so I'll give you a few days to make up your mind."

Eleanor sat in stunned silence, her mind unable to fully process what was going on. Whoa. I know I wanted things to move fast but this is way beyond what I could have hoped for. A brief moment of clarity brought with it a rather troubling thought.

"Dr Bailey, I'm truly humbled that you considered me for this esteemed position. Do I have your permission to speak candidly?"

"Go right ahead."

"All this information could have easily been sent via an email, saving you the trouble of walking all the way here. You obviously have a vested interest in my decision. It would be nice to know why."

Laura sat back in her chair, clasped her hands together and placed them on her stomach. She purposefully allowed few minutes of silence pass, hiding her astonishment behind a poker face. Laura would tell her the truth, at least the parts she wanted to.

"The OPTC does a lot of good work but once in a while, their hands are tied and things take a turn for the worse. You have a reputation of being a doctor who puts her patients first, going above and beyond for them. If you're going to accept the position, I thought it was pertinent for you to know that sometimes you'll only be allowed to go so far."

"Isn't that the same for all patients? It's like medical school 101," said Eleanor, failing to understand the true meaning of Laura's words.

"I didn't mean it that way. I can't elaborate any further than that. Should you take up the position, it will become clearer," said Laura, getting up from her chair, "I love what you've done with the office."

Eleanor started to say something but immediately caught herself, knowing that the chances of her getting an answer would be slim to none. A celebratory moment turned into one she'd rather forget.